Whites won’t be in majority in U.S. by 2043

December 12, 2012News Extra

WASHINGTON — By 2043 white people will no longer make up a majority of Americans.

The new government projection announced this morning is a year later than previous estimates, made before the impact of the recent economic downturn was known.

The nation continues to grow and become more diverse due to higher birth rates among minorities, but no longer at a torrid pace as immigration wanes.

The total U.S. population should climb to 420 million by 2060, with whites making up 43 percent. Hispanics, currently 17 percent of the population, will jump to 31 percent, or nearly 1 in 3 residents. Blacks will make up 14.7 percent, up slightly.

The point when minority children become the majority of children is expected to occur in 2019. Last year minorities became the majority among U.S. newborns.